PhD-student on high precision proton therapy

PhD-student on high precision proton therapy for thoracic tumors
Contracttype: One year, with the intention for extension up to 4 years.
Sluitingsdatum: 08 april 2026.
Contracturen: 36 hours per week.

Over de functie
You will be part of the PROTHORAC project team, a research collaboration between the three Dutch proton therapy centers (HollandPTC, Maastro and UMCG) and affiliated universities, funded by KWF Kankerbestrijding.

The overall aim is to develop technical methods to significantly reduce radiation dose to surrounding healthy tissue, while maintaining tumor coverage and increasing treatment efficiency. The expected outcome will be an efficient workflow for precise protontherapy, which when clinically implemented, will reduce radiation-induced side effects. The project aims at developing the following technical solutions:

1. Develop and clinically evaluate reproducible breath-holding and regularized shallow breathing assisted by mechanical ventilation;
2. Develop and implement probabilistic treatment planning to mitigate residual uncertainties more effectively;
3. Develop and evaluate fast, precise, and efficient automated dose-guided patient positioning;
4. Test the proposed solutions in a single workflow in a prospective in-silico feasibility trial.

The project hosts 3 PhD candidates, each located at one of the PT centers. Close collaboration between the PROTHORAC project PhD candidates is essential and will be accommodated through reciprocal site visits.

About the position at Maastro
We offer you a challenging role in a professional, innovative and dynamic work environment, in an academic setting. Breathing motion and the variability of this motion during treatment is a source of uncertainty in proton therapy. The position at Maastro will focus on the development and implementation of reproducible breathing patterns in treatment of thoracic patients. As a PhD candidate you will focus on planning studies to show benefit of breath hold, development of a suitable mechanical ventilation technique, which will be tested in a volunteer study, and a clinical feasibility study. You will work closely with the other PhD students from the consortium to implement the proposed solutions in all three proton centers.

Wie zoeken we?
We are looking for a researcher with an excellent track record as a MSc student in a field such as (bio)medical engineering, medical physics or technical medicine. Ideally, you have some knowledge of radiotherapy, radiation physics and imaging. You have a strong interest in radiotherapy research, technology development, and clinical application. You should be a dynamic co-worker, willing to work in a highly motivated team of medical physicists, physicians, and researchers. Although you will work in a close team, you should also be able to work independently. If you live abroad, you should be willing to relocate to the Maastricht region of the Netherlands (which is also close to Germany and Belgium). English language proficiency (written and spoken, at least IELTS 7, or equivalent) is required. Proficiency of the Dutch language is not a requirement, but acquiring a basic knowledge is encouraged and facilitated.

Our core values stem from the acronym GROEIEN (GROWING): Good conduct, Rules (with flexibility), Openness, Empathy, Innovative, Ownership, and Curiosity. We work together, learn from one another, and celebrate successes as one team. Your initiative makes the difference! We give you the space to grow and make an impact.

Wat bieden we?
We offer:

• An employment contract for 36 hours per week based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Hospitals, for a initial period of one year, with the intention for extension up to 4 years in total.
• A salary of minimal € 3.395,- and maximum € 4.818,- gross/month on a fulltime basis, depending of relevant work experience.
• 144 holiday hours (on a fulltime basis).
• 57 personal livephase budget-hours (on a fulltime basis).
• Flexible benefits system, allowing you to purchase additional leave, receive discounts on your sports membership, and participate in a bicycle leasing scheme.
• 8.33% holiday allowance and 8.33% year end bonus.
• Good pension scheme through the Pension Fund for Care and Welfare (PFZW), plus attractive discount arrangements for various (health) insurances.
• When moving from abroad, a relocation allowance could be possible.
• Primary work location is our office in Maastricht, but working from home is possible for a maximum of one day a week.
• Work days are negotiable, but a scheme of 4 x 9 is possible.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development.

The application process
To apply for this job you can use the application form on the website.

The application process consists of two interviews with different committees. The first interview round is scheduled for Tuesday April 21st 2026 (afternoon). The second round will take place on Friday May 8th 2026.

Meer informatie?
Ricard Canters
Medical Physicst
+31-(0)88-4455600